Ford has officially annnounced the next-generation F-150 Lightning. Dubbed a truck that offers the best of both worlds, the upcoming F-150 Lightning moves backwards, turning into an extended range electric vehicle or EREV. What exactly is this? Think of it as battery-electric vehicle with a gas engine working exclusively as a generator, while the electric motors turn the wheels. You may be asking yourself, isn’t this just plug-in hybrid running in serial operation? Why yes, it is. The big difference? EREVs have massive battery packs and can go over 100 miles before the gas engine comes into the picture.
According to Ford, the new F-150 Lightning has the instant and seamless power of an EV and the convenience of gas engine. As a result, it’s expected to have a maximum driving range of more than 700 miles. Like the current F-150 Lightning, the next-generation truck has vehicle-to-load capability. That means it can power small appliances, tools, and even homes during an outage.
This new F-150 Lightning forms part of the brand’s latest product announcement, which will see increased investment in EVs and hybrids. Additionally, it includes a new universal EV platform, which debuts on a new midsize truck that’ll be built at the Louisville Assembly Plant starting in 2027. This architecture will also underpin a series of affordable EVs. Meanwhile, more vehicles, including performance cars and commercial vehicles, will offer a hybrid powertrain.
Production for the current F-150 Lightning ends this year. Ford will announce the start of production and launch timing of the next-generation truck closer at a later time. However, it did reveal that the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan will produce the F-150 Lightning EREV. Expect more Ford vehicles to use an EREV powertrain and follow in the footsteps of the F-150 Lightning.
Source: Ford
